Dietitian (Informatics) - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary The Informatics Dietitian is the subject matter expert responsible for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) computer systems. This position manages VHA supported software programs and/or Commercial off the Shelf Systems (COTS) that focus in Nutrition and Food Services to include food production & food service operations; training and education of computer systems; collection and analysis of data, such as customer experience surveys, nutrient analysis, staffing and workload statistics. Responsibilities The duties listed are GS-11 Full Performance Level, GS-7 and GS-9 duties will differ in complexity and level of supervision. The Informatics Dietitian is responsible for solicitation, evaluation, and recommendation of COTS software and integration, training, and alignment of technology functions throughout the section. The position has responsibility to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate informatics within the service. The Informatics Dietitian works in collaboration with the NFS management team, supervisors, and staff to support NFS program goals and the facility mission. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Use available technology to enhance the work of all employees within NFS. Enter and maintain ingredients, recipes, nutritional information, and menus. Oversee the technology used for meal production, meal service, and temperature control. Lead a menu committee. Ensure recipes are standardized. Cost out recipes and assure they are within budgetary constraints. Create and revise menus, considering VA established guidelines, policy, patient preference, and religious and cultural considerations. Complete nutrient analyses of regular and modified menus and ensure menus follow required diet guidelines. Develop and maintain training and reference materials for the Nutrition Communication Center (NCC). Manage productivity reports for the NCC. Complete audits for the NCC, determining action plans when results require corrective measures. Coordinate and support downtime procedures for the NCC, ensuring procedures remain up to date. Coordinate all aspects of training related to computer systems, menus, and informatics for NFS employees. Collaborate with the clinical nutrition section and leadership to ensure the enhancement of the Veterans dining experience. Support patient satisfaction within NFS. Acts as a department Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) between the administration, food services, clinical staff, and the Office of Information Technology (Ol&T) regarding clinical information system processes. Manage and update the service SharePoint site. Work Schedule: Various shifts Sun - Sat, 5:00am to 6:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 99526-S, 99527-S, 99528-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Registration. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). May only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following: Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent. Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. AND Completed an ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN. A list of ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory. Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements. GRADE DETERMINATIONS: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements and all the requirements defined in the specific assignment. Dietitian (Informatics) GS-07. Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Dietitian (Informatics), GS-09. (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (2) Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college. AND (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of nutritional standards and requirements. (b) Ability to manage computer software programs relative to food service systems. (c) Ability to develop training and reference materials. (d) Ability to evaluate data to improve outcomes. (e) Ability to provide training related to food service systems technology. (f) Ability to collaborate with stakeholders. Dietitian (Informatics), GS-11. (1) Experience. One year of experience as an RDN Dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level. AND (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in managing computer software programs relative to food service systems. (b) Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to develop menus ensuring nutritional standards are met. (c) Skill in developing training and reference materials. (d) Skill in evaluating data to improve outcomes. (e) Skill in providing training related to food service systems technology. (f) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G20, 14 October 2022. Physical Requirements: This position requires light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; near vision correctable to 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other; the ability to distinguish shades of colors; and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental Factors: There may be exposure to excessive heat and cold; constant noise; slippery or uneven walking surfaces; and must be able to work alone and closely with others. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. IMPORTANT: If basing your qualifications on education, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible. ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.